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Marlon James reads Lee Scratch Perry's defence of Paul McCartney after he was arrested in Tokyo

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On January 16th of 1980, Japanese customs officials found 7.7 ounces of cannabis in Paul McCartney's luggage as he entered the country, resulting in a 10-day stay in a Tokyo prison and the cancellation of his tour of Japan with Wings.

After being released, McCartney was told never to return. Five days into his stay, reggae legend Lee "Scratch" Perry sent a letter to Tokyo's Minister of Justice in an effort lend his support.

Award-wining author Marlon James joined us to read this brilliant letter at Letters Live in New York City in June 2025.

© the Estate of Lee Perry
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